JBU Welcomes Plein Air Artists to Gallery

“Farmstead” by Arkansas artist John P. Lasater IV

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (August 24, 2012) - The work of seven of America’s leading plein air artists will be the focus of the next exhibit at John Brown University’s Art Gallery. The exhibit, entitled “The Beauty of Observation: An American Plein Air Showcase”, will open with a reception Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Windgate Visual Arts West gallery on the JBU campus. The reception is free and open to the public and the exhibit will be on display through Sept. 29.

“This truly is a once in a lifetime exhibit,” said Charles Peer, gallery director for the JBU Department of Visual Arts. “This exhibit shows the artwork of some of America’s biggest names in the field of plein air painting. Never has their work been show in one collection.”

The diverse paintings depicting American landscapes were created by artists Millis Gosch, Darrell Hill, Hai-Ou Hou, John P. Lasater IV, Karol Mack, Richard Oversmith, and Richard Sneary. The seven artists have each won several awards and accomplishments, placing them in the top tiers of the plein air world.

“Plein air painting is again growing in popularity in America. Often, the artist has to work quickly in order to capture the moment, so these paintings have a freshness and vitality that is exhilarating,” said Peer.

The gallery is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. or by special arrangement. For further information, or to schedule alternative viewing times, contact the JBU Department of Visual Arts at 479-238-8561.

John Brown University is a private Christian university, ranked first among Southern regional colleges by U.S. News & World Report and is listed as one of America’s Best Colleges by Forbes. JBU enrolls more than 2,100 students from 41 states and 44 countries. JBU is a member of the council for Christian Colleges and Universities.